His and Her Health

I've just been diagnosed with PCOS and have been doing quite a lot of research on line and have some questions. I have been put on Metformin to help me ovulate but have read that diet and exercise can have the same effect. Specifically, what changes to my diet do I need in order to help with PCOS and acheiving pregnancy? Also what level of exercise do I need to be doing? This is all starting to make sense. I have gained about 10 pounds over the last year or 2 and never thought that it might lead to me not being able to get pregnant but after all this reading lately it's making more sense. PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!

PCOS is a common disorder, as you are finding out. Interestingly, it is related to Diabetes, another serious metabolic condition that is nearly epidemic in this country. Because of their metabolic link, the diet and exercise recommendations for the two are similar. The best plan is to start by eliminating sweets- which only causes cravings for a few days- and eating less at each meal. Even a few bites less adds up over time, so don't go for big changes right away. The best exercise for this problem is sustained aerobic activity- walking, swimming, running. Build up to thirty minutes three to five times a week, even longer at least once per week.
What you'll notice is that your weight won't change for several months as your metabolism normalizes (after all, it took years to develope this problem). Don't give up! You will notice your energy level, moods, and skin all improve much more quickly. Good luck, and keep going. Pregnancy and many other important issues can be resolved or prevented if you keep at it.

LONG STORY...Just had to tell you of my own experience, although this was over 20 years ago. I was married for 8 years without conceiving, although trying very hard. Went to an ob/gyn for help. I was then diagnosed as having PCOS. Periods were irregular and very scarce, sometimes only one to two periods per year. Doctors told me the only chance of conceiving was to have a type of ovarian surgery where a cone shape wedge would be cut into the ovary to help release an egg. I decided to wait, being a little spooked by the idea of surgery. But in the meantime I went on a diet, not for pregnancy chances, but merely to lose some weight.

I went on a diet where I COMPLETELY eliminted sugar, wheat products, bread, processed meat products with cereal fillers, and starchy vegetables like potatoes and corn.........I changed my eating habits to only include fresh lean meats and chicken, non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, leafy greens, etc. and only fruits that don't really raise blood sugar levels much (usually only green grapes and apples).....Just ABSOLUTELY NO potatoes, corn, bread, and most of all NOTHING with a trace of any form of sugar (not even sucrose, fructose, or any of those "ose" words on the ingredients label).

Was a little hard at first, thought I'd never be able to keep it up. But all cravings were gone in just a week or so, energy soared, and then this way of eating was just a way of life, and I believe a healthy diet, because I still had balanced amouts of vegetables and protein.

I thought the best part was when my weight started dropping literally from week to week. Not long till I had lost about 40 pounds, which I really needed to lose anyway.

I thought it couldn't get any better than that, just losing the weight, but I was completely knocked off my feet when something even better happened. Within 2 months of starting that diet, I started experiencing some odd changes. I began some very light spotting and cramping, my breasts became extremely sensitive and painful. I just kept thinking I was finally going to have my one period for the year, but it never happened. So just out of curiousity, I used a home pregnancy test, and couldn't believe it when it came up POSITIVE.

After 8 years of trying, I was pregnant. My doctors had told me that without the surgery, my chances of conceiving were "Zero to None". They said with the PCOS and the scarcity of my periods, I was only ovulating once or twice a year, and the chance of "hitting it" at exactly one of those rare fertile times was like the chance of being hit by lightning.

But it was like a miracle. 2 months of this low sugar, low starch diet and I was pregnant after 8 years......Of course this was over 20 years ago and doctors didn't know about the connection between insulin resistance or diabetes and PCOS. After giving birth, my periods didn't return to normal and that was the only child I've had. But many years after that, I was subsequently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes....Was probably a problem all along, but as I said, I don't think they knew the connection 20-some years ago.

SO...I have absolutely no medical background or much knowledge to speak of, but I would say definitely that diet can help PCOS women with pregnancy chances. I know in my heart and soul that's what happened for me....8 years of nothing, then 2 months of diet, then BINGO - pregant! What else could it have been, other than the Miracle that she turned out to be and still is.

GOOD LUCK TO YOU!!

P.S....I would also begin monitoring my blood sugar levels if I where you.